If we are studying to become a sound engineer or we are working on a music-related application, it is likely that, at times, we will need to use tone generators. In this way we can test different sound levels and check with our instrument if it works correctly. For this, it is important to know the basics of tone generation, calibration and testing of sound equipment or speakers.
The reasons for needing tone generators can be several. From the possibility of calibrating an audio equipment, to fine-tuning documents, we need software capable of carrying out tests with which to adjust different parameters of sound and audio frequencies. With them we can specify the type of wave we want to generate along with other configuration options such as channels, tone level, frequency, delay, etc.
Therefore today, today we are going to talk about tone generators. Whether they are different software that we can download to our computer or online platforms that allow us to carry out this task from the Internet.
Free programs to generate tones
When working with music-related applications, if we want to try different levels of options, we can choose different programs, such as tone generators, which will help us with this task. We present some of the most recommended programs below, all of which are completely free.
Wav Test Tone Generator, one of the best and most popular
We start with one of the best programs within the tone generators for Windows. This application is responsible for generating signals and saves it as a WAV file that automatically adds a voice at the beginning that informs us of the frequency.
With this application we can specify different parameters to generate a tone. To generate a signal, it will be necessary to enter its frequency in Hz, the duration of the signal, configure the sweep function, and set the amplitude of the signal for both the left and right channels.
In the interface we will find all its options such as the delay, the tone level and other parameters related to the frequency. Wav Test Tone Generator is a portable application, so it doesn’t need installation, just download it from this link , and start running it.
RedCrab SonoG, advanced tone generation software
We now have quite advanced software to generate tones that has two independent generators capable of generating various signals such as sawtooth, modulation, frequency sweep, tone burst and DTMF, among many other parameters. This application allows us to generate two different tones simultaneously or one after the other. Once the tone is created we can save it as a WAV file on our hard drive.
With RedCrab SonoG we can specify the parameters of a tone and then start the tool to listen to the sound. If we prefer, it is possible to specify the parameters for another tone in the second panel, as well as synchronize them between them.
This software stands out for being a portable application, so it does not require installation and can be executed as soon as you download it and start generating tones at various levels. We can download it for free from itswebsite .
Roadkil’s Tone Generator, a program specialized in the generation of tones
It is another software specialized in the generation of test tones. With it, it is possible to generate a tone or a 3 harmonic tone, specifying different types of frequency. The frequency, volume, and left-to-right balance of each tone can be changed completely independently. It also has the ability to specify a sampling frequency, as well as a time period in milliseconds.
This program allows us to choose to specify the starting frequency and later indicate the sampling frequency, taking into account that the first must be lower than the second for it to work. Once finished we can generate the tone in a file with WAV format.
Roadkil’s Tone Generator is a free and portable application that we can use without the need for any installation. We can download it from here.
Tone Generator, simple and effective for the less demanding
Possibly, Top Generator is the simplest software to generate tones of those mentioned here. It has the minimum characteristics with which to be able to produce a tone at a specific frequency. We can emit the sound just by specifying the frequency values and the program will automatically generate a tone for us. The application supports frequencies up to 15,000 Hz and we can listen to it through headphones or PC speakers.
Tone Generator is a free application that, unlike other options, does need to be installed in order to run. We can download it from the developer’s website .
Web applications to generate tones
As an alternative to tone generation software, we can also do this online using web applications. These have the advantage of being able to carry out the work without having to download or install any program, since we will only need an Internet connection and a web browser to access them.
Online Tone Generator, generates tones in four different ways
It is a website that has different options for tone generators such as Pitch Shifter, Binarial Beats and DTMF signals. We simply have to enter the desired frequency and press the play button, to listen to a pure tone wave that is displayed at a frequency of 44.1 kHz, which will be emitted until we press the stop button. It is capable of reproducing tones generated in four different ways: sine, square, sawtooth, and triangle.
You just need to make sure your headphones and speakers are set to a low volume to avoid damage to your ears or equipment. The application is compatible with the latest versions of browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge. Once our tone is generated, we can download and save a 10-second WAV file.
If we want to use Online Tone Generator to generate tones, we can use it for free just by accessing its website .
Audio Test Files Generators, with Tone Calibration for Greater Accuracy
This website has a different waveform generator. We can opt for a single sine tone generator, a dual sine tone generator or a swept tone generator. All of them are precisely calibrated and have adjustable frequency and amplitude. Therefore, it will only be necessary to select the type of tone that we want to generate.
Once the preferred option is selected, we will enter another page where we find the tone generator, on which we can adjust the properties of the tone that we want to generate. Once finished we can save the tone in a high quality WAV file. In this way we ensure the highest sound quality that we can obtain on our PC.
Audio Test File Generators is a completely free online tool that we can access by clicking on this link .
wavTones, with audio frequency generator
This online application has an audio frequency signal generator that allows us to alter the properties of each of the tones it offers. The page has a free version that offers a limited number of tones that are limited to a maximum duration of 5 seconds. Optionally, it has payment packages with which we will have access to all the tones they offer, allowing downloads of up to 300 seconds.
The free version if it is true that it is somewhat limited since we will not be able to listen to any of the tones before downloading them. In addition, the Bit Depth of the tones only allows to generate 16-bit tones in this free version. The generated tones can be downloaded in WAV format.
If we want to try wavTones to generate tones, we can do it by clicking here .
Gieson TonGen, simple and practical tone generator
Of all the web applications seen, it is surely that of Gieson TonGen, one of the simplest tone generators to use when generating our tones. It has four types of waves with which to generate different tones and change their tonality. We can change the frequency of a tone simply by using the Hz slider together with the Fine tune Hz slider that allows us to find the ideal frequency for our tone.
The main drawback that we are going to find when using this online application is that it will not be possible to save the generated tones. We won’t even be able to send them through a link.
We can use Gieson TonGen to generate tones for free just by accessing its website by clicking on this link .